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Maximising Mornings: You Will Be Happier For It

Morning people, apparently, have a more optimistic outlook on life. And, it’s likely that you’ll grow into a morning person as you get older; most people by the age of 60 prefer getting up early according to study researcher Renee Biss, a graduate student at the University of Toronto*.

After MOMA! asked me to write a blog on my top 5 tips for mornings in London, I first considered whether I was a morning person and discovered the research above. Since my best days are ones that begin at 5.30am (the best time to get work done) AND I feel like I’m a mostly happy person, I’ve self-categorised myself: I AM OFFICIALLY A MORNING PERSON *whoop* Somehow, this comes as a surprise as I was generally one for staying up all the night during my uni years. How things have changed – it’s probably similar to the way people start liking olives and mushrooms (though never liver) when they get older.

For anyone who is looking to make the transition from a night owl to a morning person, here’s some ways to make mornings a whole bunch better…

My Never Before Disclosed Secrets to a Great Morning

Stroke a cat: I spend about 5 minutes hanging out with my secondhand cat, Doris, before I actually emerge from the bed. This is usually because she’s purring in my face or sitting on my chest, but nevertheless it’s a lovely calming to start the day. She also enjoys grooming my hands and arms which can be a little painful at times but it definitely makes sure I’m fully awake.

Go for a run / walk somewhere green:I LOVE living in Highbury – there are the fields nearby and getting an early morning run in allows you to spend time with your thoughts in the fresh air, accompanied only by other runners, squirrels and a handful of dog-walkers. It’s also great to clear your head and set you up for the day.

Choose your pants carefully: Different days require different pants. For example, there are comfy pants, power pants, gym pants, sexy pants and an infinite number of other pants. These are a highly important feature of everyone’s outfit. Even though no one else can see them, wearing good pants is essential; and don’t get me started on off-white granny pants!

Sing the Good Morning Song:Depending on who you sing this to, the reactions vary. I once sang this to my sister, who is most definitely not a morning person (she’s actually not really an evening person either…) and she nearly punched me. It’s not for everyone. To begin with, sing this to your cat or to yourself in the mirror. And make sure you accompany this with lots of rousing hand movements. My boyfriend and I sing this every morning. Fact. (We also change the words to “Good morning, good morning, we’ve slept the whole night through…”) See the morning song below for the original version.

Decide what kind of day you’re going to have:Power Pants will only get you so far. It’s a fairly new instalment to my morning regime but every morning I write down what I want to achieve and how I want to feel; and these are positive feelings. For example, on a day that was particularly busy, my desired feeling was ‘In Control’. On another day that was full of admin and nothing else, I wanted to feel ‘Relaxed’. It helps set up your day, trust me.

More about MOMA!

MOMA! are on a mission to get Londoners out and about in the mornings to make the most of what is on offer in the capital before heading off to work. MOMA!’s bircher muesli pots are the perfect tasty and healthy on-the-go breakfast to start the day. Crammed full of jumbo oats soaked in apple juice and mixed with low-fat Somerset yogurt and real fruit, the top quality jumbo oats make these breakfasts so filling. As well as being low in fat and high in fibre, their low GI qualities help you stave off morning hunger pangs. They also taste good and are available from most supermarkets.

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I learnt the hard way that good health involves diet, exercise and a peaceful mind. I use my experience to help people feel more confident, in control and fitter. As well as being a pre & post-natal personal trainer and founder of The Warrior Method, a unique style of training, I also enjoy travelling and my curious little HB (Hungry Bear).